Sat Jan 24 16:30:00 UTC 2026: ### Headline: India Announces Squad for Test Match Against Australia in Perth
The Story:
The Indian women’s cricket team is set to embark on a tour of Australia, culminating in a four-day Test match against the host nation at the WACA Ground in Perth from March 6-9. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced a 15-member squad for the Test, led by captain Harmanpreet Kaur and vice-captain Smriti Mandhana. The tour also includes three T20Is and three ODIs, commencing from February 15.
Key Points:
* The Indian women’s cricket team will play a Test match against Australia from March 6-9 in Perth.
* Harmanpreet Kaur will captain the Test team, with Smriti Mandhana as vice-captain.
* Vaishnavi Sharma and Kranti Gaud have been selected in the Test team for the first time.
* The tour starts with three T20Is beginning on February 15 in Sydney, followed by three ODIs.
* G. Kamalini is ruled out of the entire tour due to injury, replaced by Uma Chetri across all formats.
* India won their previous Test match against South Africa in June 2024 and their last Test against Australia in December 2023.
Key Takeaways:
* India is aiming to continue its Test match winning streak against Australia on their home ground.
* The squad selection blends experienced players with fresh talent, indicating a focus on building a strong team for the future.
* The inclusion of Uma Chetri across all formats highlights her versatility and value to the team due to G. Kamalini’s unfortunate injury.
* The tour will be a comprehensive assessment of India’s preparedness in all formats against a strong Australian team.
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